Buying Second Hand Computers at Auction

LBrianr on 30/11/2016 - 06:55

Hi, I'm new here and wondering what experience people have had with buying second hand computers at auction. I'm in Adelaide and looking at an auction this Friday at MGS in Kilkenny as I need a laptop for my son for school next year. They have a heap of desktop pcs and laptops with either Windows 7 or Windows 8 installed so they look to be working units. There is a catalogue via their site www.mgs.net.au

Anything specific I should be looking for or checking out. I will be going to the inspection that they have on Thursday so would like to be prepared.

I was thinking around $250 is a fair price for laptop ie
LAPTOP / ULTRABOOK, HP ELITEBOOK FOLIO 9470m (D7Y59PA), CORE i7 3687U (3RD GEN) @ 2.1GHz, 8GB DDR3 RAM, 256GB SSD

Thank you
Brian

Computing

Comments

  • Nugs on 30/11/2016 - 07:19

    please report back if you end up buying, I have also wondered about these

  • zolinger on 30/11/2016 - 07:52

    $250 is a good price but most vendors will be expecting $500. The reason is the specs that you have. The figure Im quoting is based on experience and a lot of comparison on second hand units. If you can get it for $250 then good job. Best of luck to you :)

  • saty1296 on 30/11/2016 - 08:24

    I have bought many computers and laptops from Graysonline Auction for myself, family and friends.

    Computers and laptops have turned out to be pretty good and are running well. These were all quality failed laptops. I bid only on the ones that were described as working perfectly fine and had scratches on the top or bottom casing or screen or something else.

  • ZippyRoo on 30/11/2016 - 08:44
    +1

    I have bought from Graysonline auctions too. They were ex-company laptops which have been wiped and refurbished, so it actually looked brand new. Other than that, just pay the due diligence as you would with any other second hand goods, read the description, check the screen to make sure that it is still in full working order, etc. And don't forget the buyer's premium.

  • Kangal on 30/11/2016 - 09:21

    Desktop PC's are usually fine, its the laptops that come in the worst conditions.
    Because of their portability they're more prone to scratches, dings, and drops.
    Not to mention burnt out screens, dead pixels, or cracked displays.

    So take some caution, and if possible see the unit before bidding.
    Blind bidding online could prove to be a waste of your time.

  • Brianr on 03/12/2016 - 07:13

    Thank you for your helpful tips

    I inspected a few of the laptops and all were in great condition

    I managed to get 2 of the HP 9470m models for $320 each which in the end I'm happy with

    MGS do computer auctions every month so there is always plenty coming up if you missed out

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